First berries in Courtyard Garden

Strawberries are here. A friend went picking them at a local farm and delivered me enough to bag and freeze for weeks to come and still more to cook down into a syrup that will enhance my morning oatmeal sundaes.

Spring is rapidly maturing into summer here in northeast Ohio. We had several days of 80+ degree (F) weather already, though the nights are still cool. Hot humid weather is difficult for me, as wet heat slows down neurological transmissions to muscles. MS already shuts down those connections, so I get out on my mobility scooter as early as I can before the sun has time to heat up my campus. I don’t complain- Emilia’s good friend is visiting the States with her son from Delhi, India. It is over 120 degrees (F) there.

Out for a family stroll

Many goslings are already gawky teenagers and smaller birds are on their second broods. Cedar waxwings have moved in around a nearby Juneberry tree defending the small red fruits from aggressive robins. Tiny rabbits, squirrels, and chipmunks are rapidly learning the ways of their kind.outside.

Small squirrel silhouette on feeder seen between my blinds and plants

And of course, the diversity of flowering flora is an unending delight with daily discoveries. A former biology professor from Oberlin College (one of several) has taken over our most beautiful community Courtyard Garden. One of the most spectacular displays is the cactus garden (yes, a cactus garden in NE Ohio!) which also blooms in June.

Hard to describe the intense contrast of thorns and luscious blossoms

He installed a small water feature that is home to painted turtles named  Brutus, Woody, (who may both be females, no one is sure), and a tiny new one as yet unnamed and hard to spot. Brutus comes up to investigate onlookers from time to time thinking he will be fed. I had no idea turtles could be conditioned that way.

Brutus, ever hopeful for a handout.

This month has an underlayment of nostalgia as it brings both Father’s Day and Richard’s birthday. Our family remembers him for his birth and death day by eating ice cream. ‘Tis the season for ‘frozen dairy delight’ as he used to call his favorite treat. May the sweetness of the season find smoother sailing with the bitter nature of our tumultuous world politics.

My neighbor getting his small craft ready for sailing.